Coloured contact lenses are really popular, especially among the younger age group. Your eye colour changes, and it’s the prefect fashion accessory.
Types of Coloured contact lenses
Coloured contact lenses are of two types:
Prescription colour contacts:
These correct your refractive errors, and also change the colour of your eyes.
Plano colour contacts:
These do not correct your vision, but merely change your eye colour.
Both these lenses are more costly than regular contact lenses.
How do coloured contact lenses work
Most coloured contact lenses are designed to enhance the natural look of the iris. The iris is the brown, black or blue part of the eye, which determines your eye colour.
These contact lenses have a series of tiny coloured dots or lines which are arranged radially. The center of the lens, which overlies the pupil is clear, so that you can see clearly.
Coloured lenses have three kinds of tints:
- Visibility tint: These are usually light blue or green, so that you can see the lens better when putting it on, or removing it. These do not change your eye colour.
- Enhancement tint: This is darker tint, which enhances the natural colour of your eyes. Coloured contacts with this type of tint usually used by those who have light-coloured eyes and want to make their eye colour more vibrant.
- Opaque tint: These are non-transparent lenses that can change your eye colour completely. These are available in a variety of colours, including hazel, green, blue, violet, amethyst, brown and gray.
Points to remember
Ask your doctor before you get lenses
In India, due to lack of regulation you can actually buy these contact lenses over the counter. It is however important to remember that these are medical devices, and must only be used with a proper prescription and fitting from your doctor or optometrist.
Even if you have perfect vision, you must get an eye exam before you wear any kind of contact lens. Your dispensing doctor will mention the brand name, lens measurements and expiration date on your prescription.
Follow the contact lens care instructions.
Remember these lenses will be inside your eye. Even if you are wearing them for cosmetic reasons, the proper disinfection and care routine must be followed. Never share contact lenses with another person. Follow your doctors instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses
Seek immediate medical help in case of any problems
Contact your doctor immediately in case of any redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort in the eye. Remove your lenses immediately, and carry them along to the doctor’s office.
